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14 OUR LIFE • September-October 2023 THE UKRAINIAN MUSEUM 222 East 6th Street, New York, NY 10003 • www.theukrainianmuseum.org Maria Prymachenko and Helena Christensen Launch The Ukrainian Museum’s Fall Season The Ukrainian Museum unveiled two exciting, not-to-be-missed exhibitions in early October, each of which will be on view through the holidays. One features the work of a celebrated artist, and the other is curated by a celebrated supermodel. Bring your family, bring your friends, or visit solo at your own pace, but be sure to take in Maria Prymachenko: Glory to Ukraine and Wearloom: Ukrainian Garments. An icon of Ukrainian culture, identity, tradition, and resil - ience, Maria Prymachenko (1909–1997) is one of the most celebrated and belov - ed artists in Ukraine. She was born in the village of Bolot - nia, near Chornobyl, and lived there all her life. For over 60 years, Prymachenko used her wildly creative imagination to produce art based profound - ly on her deep connection with nature and her rich cul - tural heritage. Despite having no formal art training, says Peter Doroshenko, director of The Ukrainian Museum and curator of this exhibition, she possessed an innate ar - tistic talent that became evident from a young age, developing a distinctive style that was deeply rooted in Ukrainian folklore and mythology. “She drew inspiration from folk tales and traditions passed down through generations, weaving them into a visual tapestry that celebrates the beauty and mysti - cism of Ukrainian folklore,” he notes. “Her use of vibrant colors and intricate details brings her subjects to life, creating a captivating visual experience that engages all our senses.” Prymachenko is widely known for her brilliantly colored and inventive scenes of animals covered in riotously hued, almost psychedelic patterns. She be - lieved that animals encompass the joy intrinsic to Ukrainian mythology and was inspired by the animals on her own small farm. “Her vibrant, dense - ly populated compositions depict an array of fantastic creatures, mythical beasts, and ethereal landscapes, all infused with a sense of enchantment and spiritualism,” says Doroshenko. “Each painting seems to transport the viewer to a world that exists somewhere between reality and fantasy, evok - ing emotions of wonder, awe, and curiosity.” He adds, “It is impossible not to be inspired and enchanted by the unique world she created through her art.” Over the years, Prymachenko also wove various political and social critiques into her art. At first glance, her works appear primitive, traditional, and unas - suming, but a deeper look into her animals, beasts, and gardens transforms these figures into representations of political leaders, criticism of the Soviet Union, and reactions to social issues in Ukraine: we see the trauma of war, anti-war and anti-nuclear statements, the Chornobyl disaster, and even sat - ires of Soviet leaders and collective farms. Maria Prymachenko: Glory to Ukraine is a tribute to the artist’s resilient leg - acy and to the unbreakable spirit of Ukrainian identity and of Prymachenko herself – a celebration of her innovative works and her impact. During her lifetime, Prymachenko created a wide range of art, all represented in this exhibition, the largest ever of her work, and the only exhibition ever held outside of Europe. Most of the 100+ works, all from Kyiv, have never been shown before. The Ukrainian Museum is thrilled to share Maria Prymachenko’s story with New York City and the world, and hopes that visitors will see what Pablo Picasso saw when he attended an exhibition of her paintings at the 1937 Paris World’s Fair and said, “I bow down before the artistic miracle of this brilliant Ukrainian!” Maria Prymachenko: Glory to Ukraine Through April 7, 2024 A Ukrainian Swineherd Raised Piglets ..., 1969
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